# Kyle Louis
**Kyle Louis** is an [American football](https://www.edgepedia.org/american-football) linebacker for the [Miami Dolphins](https://www.edgepedia.org/miami-dolphins) of the [National Football League](https://www.edgepedia.org/national-football-league), selected in the fourth round (138th overall) of the 2026 NFL draft[1](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25389424-kyle-louis-nfl-draft-2026-scouting-report-miami-dolphins-lb). He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a two-year starter, a 2025 team captain, and a first-team All-ACC selection in 2024[2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/). Measured at 6 feet, 220 pounds with 31 1/4-inch arms at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, he was one of the most athletic linebackers in his draft class but carried questions about his size for the position[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine).
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position / team | Linebacker, Miami Dolphins; drafted round 4, No. 138 overall, 2026 NFL draft[1](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25389424-kyle-louis-nfl-draft-2026-scouting-report-miami-dolphins-lb) |
| College | Pittsburgh; two-year starter, 2025 team captain, first-team All-ACC (2024)[2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/) |
| Measurables | 6'0", 220 lbs, 31 1/4" arms, 9 1/2" hands, 76 1/8" wingspan[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine) |
| Best college season | 2024: 101 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 4 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown)[2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/) • [4](https://www.fantasypros.com/2026/02/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis-lb-pittsburgh/) |
| Career totals | 201 tackles, 25.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 6 interceptions, 12 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 blocked kick[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine) |
| Combine highlights | 4.53-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical, 10'9" broad jump, 6.97-second 3-cone; second-best athleticism score (86) among combine linebackers[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine) |
| College role | Hybrid "Star" spot; 898 career snaps in the box, 578 over the slot, 253 along the defensive line[5](https://www.theringer.com/todd-mcshay/players/kyle-louis) |
## College career at Pittsburgh
A native of East Orange, New Jersey, Louis joined [Pittsburgh](https://www.edgepedia.org/pittsburgh) after serving as captain of a 13-0 squad that won the North Jersey Group 5 Regional Championship during his senior year of high school, coming in as a three-star recruit.[6](https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/player/Kyle-Louis-LB-Pittsburgh) • [2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/) He redshirted in 2022 after making four appearances, then recorded 19 tackles with two starts over nine appearances in 2023[4](https://www.fantasypros.com/2026/02/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis-lb-pittsburgh/).
**Breakout in 2024.** Louis became a full-time starter at weakside linebacker in 2024 and led the Panthers with 101 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 4 interceptions, production that earned him first-team All-ACC honors[2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/). One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown, and he added three pass breakups[4](https://www.fantasypros.com/2026/02/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis-lb-pittsburgh/).
As a 2025 team captain, he posted 81 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble, anchoring a Pitt defense that ranked among the ACC's best in total defense, rushing defense, turnovers, and tackles for loss from the hybrid "Star" spot[2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/). Over his college career he finished with 201 total tackles, 25.5 for loss, 10 sacks, 6 interceptions, 12 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine).
His usage reflected his hybrid profile. According to PFF data cited in [Todd McShay](https://www.edgepedia.org/todd-mcshay)'s profile, Louis played 898 snaps in the box, 578 snaps over the slot, and 253 snaps along the defensive line in his college career, aligning as a true linebacker for only about half of his snaps; he started 26 games at Pitt and also covered punts and kickoffs[5](https://www.theringer.com/todd-mcshay/players/kyle-louis) • [7](https://jonledyard.substack.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-pittsburgh).
## Combine and pre-draft process
Louis had a strong showing at the Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile in January 2026, and his draft stock rose afterward; ESPN's Jordan Reid described an interception in one-on-one drills against running backs and consistent run defense during the practice week[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine).
At the [NFL Scouting Combine](https://www.edgepedia.org/nfl-scouting-combine) on February 26, 2026, at [Lucas Oil Stadium](https://www.edgepedia.org/lucas-oil-stadium) in [Indianapolis](https://www.edgepedia.org/indianapolis), Louis excelled across the board. Of the 28 linebackers who participated, he never placed lower than fourth in any workout, and he skipped the bench press[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine).
| Workout | Result | Rank among combine linebackers |
|---|---|---|
| 40-yard dash | 4.53 s | T-4th |
| 10-yard split | 1.58 s | T-3rd |
| Vertical jump | 39.5" | 4th |
| Broad jump | 10'9" | 2nd |
| 3-cone drill | 6.97 s | 2nd |
| 20-yard shuttle | 4.26 s | 3rd |
The NFL's Next Gen Stats gave him a production score of 70 (ninth among linebackers), an athleticism score of 86 (second-best of the linebackers), and a total score of 75 (sixth-best linebacker at the combine)[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine). His official NFL.com prospect grade was 6.30, a band the site describes as "will eventually be plus starter"[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine).
## Scouting evaluation
**Coverage and range.** Scouts consistently rated Louis's movement skills as his defining trait. PFF's summer overview called him a very fast linebacker who would test as a top-percentile athlete, able to play as an overhang or APEX slot defender from the box[8](https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-summer-scouting-linebacker-overview). DraftGradeBook's Chris Trapasso wrote that he moves like a defensive back, with flexible hips, loose ankles, and standout stop-start quickness, and called him one of the more natural coverage linebackers in the class[9](https://draftgradebook.com/prospects/kyle-louis-2026-scouting-report). NFL analyst Lance Zierlein described him as decisive in coverage whether lurking in zone or clinging to a route in man, with the ball skills to flip the field[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine). He intercepted 6 passes with 12 passes defended over his final two college seasons[5](https://www.theringer.com/todd-mcshay/players/kyle-louis).
**Run defense and size.** The same reports flagged his 220-pound frame as the central question. Zierlein wrote that he struggles to take on blocks and leverage his gap in the run game, often catching contact and becoming a drag-down tackler, and concluded that teams need a plan for how to use him[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine). PFF noted he lacks hitting power from lower-body density and gets pushed off his spot when he is not making contact with momentum[8](https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-summer-scouting-linebacker-overview). Trapasso observed that he relies on block avoidance rather than stack-and-shed technique and can be washed out of plays when blockers reach him[9](https://draftgradebook.com/prospects/kyle-louis-2026-scouting-report). An anonymous NFC regional scout said durability against the run was his biggest long-term concern, adding that he would fit teams with a stout defensive front that sit in nickel for entire games[3](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine).
**Blitzing and other traits.** Evaluations split on his pass rush. FantasyPros noted he enjoyed success as a blitzer even when not schemed a free lane[4](https://www.fantasypros.com/2026/02/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis-lb-pittsburgh/), while Trapasso wrote he had no blitzing knack yet[9](https://draftgradebook.com/prospects/kyle-louis-2026-scouting-report). Pewter Report's analysis put his 2025 pressure rate at 21 percent (60th percentile) and judged it more a function of the system than of winning one-on-one[10](https://www.pewterreport.com/kyle-louis-bucs-draft-scouting-report/).
## Draft projections and comparisons
Pre-draft grades varied widely. FantasyPros, Last Word on NFL, and Athlon Sports projected him in the third or fourth round[4](https://www.fantasypros.com/2026/02/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis-lb-pittsburgh/) • [2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/) • [11](https://athlonsports.com/nfl/kyle-louis-scouting-report-nfl-draft-2026), while [Bleacher Report](https://www.edgepedia.org/bleacher-report) graded him a 6.3 developmental prospect with a fifth-round projection, ranking him LB14 and 184th overall[1](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25389424-kyle-louis-nfl-draft-2026-scouting-report-miami-dolphins-lb). Todd McShay's board placed him 64th overall and fifth at the position with a 79/100 grade[5](https://www.theringer.com/todd-mcshay/players/kyle-louis), and DraftGradeBook graded him 85.8, eighth among 23 ranked linebackers and 80th on its overall board[9](https://draftgradebook.com/prospects/kyle-louis-2026-scouting-report).
Comparisons reflected the positional ambiguity. Bleacher Report likened him to Jalen Reeves-Maybin[1](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25389424-kyle-louis-nfl-draft-2026-scouting-report-miami-dolphins-lb), McShay compared his build and testing numbers to Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley and suggested some teams might view him as a big nickel linebacker early[5](https://www.theringer.com/todd-mcshay/players/kyle-louis), and Last Word on NFL drew a parallel to [Darren Woodson](https://www.edgepedia.org/darren-woodson), who moved from college linebacker to NFL safety, suggesting Louis could play a starting safety role that comes down into sub-package linebacker duty[2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/). Steelers Depot went further, arguing he should move to safety in the NFL because of his zone coverage awareness and lack of play strength against the run[12](https://steelersdepot.com/2026/02/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-pittsburgh-lb-kyle-louis/).
## Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins selected Louis with the No. 138 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 [NFL draft](https://www.edgepedia.org/nfl-draft)[1](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25389424-kyle-louis-nfl-draft-2026-scouting-report-miami-dolphins-lb) • [9](https://draftgradebook.com/prospects/kyle-louis-2026-scouting-report). Dallas, Arizona, Seattle, Miami, and Tennessee had been listed as scheme fits before the draft[2](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/).
## References
1. [Kyle Louis NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Miami Dolphins LB, Bleacher Report](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25389424-kyle-louis-nfl-draft-2026-scouting-report-miami-dolphins-lb)
2. [2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kyle Louis, Last Word on NFL](https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2026/04/12/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis/)
3. [Pitt's Kyle Louis Stands Out at NFL Combine, Sports Illustrated](https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitts-panthers-kyle-louis-stands-out-nfl-combine)
4. [2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kyle Louis (LB – Pittsburgh), FantasyPros](https://www.fantasypros.com/2026/02/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-kyle-louis-lb-pittsburgh/)
5. [Kyle Louis Draft Profile & Scouting Report, The Ringer (Todd McShay)](https://www.theringer.com/todd-mcshay/players/kyle-louis)
6. [Kyle Louis Linebacker Pittsburgh | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report, NFL Draft Buzz](https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/player/Kyle-Louis-LB-Pittsburgh)
7. [2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Pittsburgh LB Kyle Louis, Jon Ledyard (Substack)](https://jonledyard.substack.com/p/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-pittsburgh)
8. [2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Linebacker Overview, PFF](https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-summer-scouting-linebacker-overview)
9. [Kyle Louis Scouting Report, DraftGradeBook](https://draftgradebook.com/prospects/kyle-louis-2026-scouting-report)
10. [Kyle Louis Bucs Draft Scouting Report, Pewter Report](https://www.pewterreport.com/kyle-louis-bucs-draft-scouting-report/)
11. [Kyle Louis NFL Draft Scouting Report, Athlon Sports](https://athlonsports.com/nfl/kyle-louis-scouting-report-nfl-draft-2026)
12. [2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Pittsburgh LB Kyle Louis, Steelers Depot](https://steelersdepot.com/2026/02/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-pittsburgh-lb-kyle-louis/)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Sports, games, and recreation › Other team and ball sports › Rugby and other football codes › American football players, coaches, and executives › Linebackers › Active professional linebackers › AFC linebackers*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 21, 2026 · Edited: Oct 11, 2026; Oct 12, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026 · Last review: Oct 21, 2026*
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License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license